How does rabies spread?

The rabies virus is present in the saliva of an infected animal and is usually transmitted by a bite. Rabies can also be transmitted if infectious material (such as saliva) from the infected animal enters a wound or mucous membrane, such as the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus enters the nerves in the open wound or the mucous membranes and travels to the brain.

What are the signs and symptoms of rabies in animals?

Signs of rabies in animals might include:

Wild animals acting friendly or tame

Hiding in isolated areas and depression

Loss of fear of humans, especially skunks (e.g., they do not run away when approached by humans or domestic animals)

What are the signs and symptoms of rabies in humans?

Initial symptoms are usually flu-like with fever, headache and nausea. As the disease progresses, symptoms might include:

Insomnia

Anxiety

Slight or partial paralysis

Increased activity, restlessness

Hallucinations

Difficulty swallowing

Fear of water

Death can occur within days of the onset of symptoms, usually as a result of respiratory failure. Once symptoms appear, rabies is usually fatal.

How long does it take for rabies to develop?

Animals - 2 weeks to many months

Humans - 3 - 8 weeks (in some cases, as early as 9 days and as long as 7 years after exposure)

The length of time depends on a number of factors including:

Severity of the bite

Location of bite

Amount and the strain of the rabies virus

What should I do if I am bitten or scratched by an animal?

Follow these steps if you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

Wash the wound (or mucous membrane) immediately with soap and water and remove any clothing that might be contaminated with saliva.

Contact your family doctor.

Notify Animal Control Services if necessary.

Also report the incident immediately to your local Health Department. Provide as much information as possible about the incident, including:

Name and address of pet owner

Description of animal

Any other information that will help in finding the animal

How do I know if an animal was contagious with rabies when it bit or scratched me?

The Health Department will follow procedures to determine whether an animal was contagious with rabies when a bite or scratch has occurred. Although it can take a while for rabies to develop, the virus is only contagious for a short period of time before symptoms appear in the infected animal.

Dogs, cats and ferrets are confined for a 10-day isolation period at a location approved by the Health Department (usually the owner's home). During this time, the animal is observed for signs of rabies. If the animal was contagious at the time of the incident, then it will display signs of rabies within the 10-day period.

If the animal involved cannot be located and observed, then the victim might require post-exposure rabies treatment.

Will I get rabies if I am exposed to an infected animal?

It is possible to get rabies after exposure to an infected animal. However, rabies can be prevented in humans by giving a post-exposure rabies treatment, or prophylaxis, as soon as possible after exposure.